Belfast Christmas Events Guide 2009

• By: Editor1
• On: 11/Nov/09
• In: Belfast Travel Tips

Turning On of the Christmas Lights

This is the official start of Christmas in Belfast, so get yourself down to the Belfast City Hall on the 24th of November to witness this special festive occasion. This is a fantastic family event and this year the Lord Mayor will have loads of help switching on the lights, as he will be joined by 'Bob the Builder' and 'Fifi And The Flowertots'! The fun begins at 7pm and there will be plenty of live music and performances by the Community Gospel Choir. Thousands of people attended this event last year so make sure you get there early this year!

Cinemagic

Cinemagic is a TV and film festival for young people and it comes to Belfast city from 18th November to 4th December 2009. This festival features gala screenings, new family films, documentaries, Roald Dahl films, kids classics and teenage classics. The festival will also have programme making workshops and acting classes. Venues for the festival include the ODEON Cinema in Victoria Square and the Movie House on Dublin Road.

For further information please visit the Cinemagic website

Christmas Continental Markets

From the 17th of November to the 19th of December the popular Continental Christmas Markets will return to the Belfast City Hall. The grounds of the City Hall will transform into a little village of markets and stalls offering mouth-watering food, warming beverages, traditional crafts, decorations, gifts and lots more. It's a great place to pick up a few stocking fillers and if you're not shopping we still suggest you browse around the market and soak up its unique festive atmosphere.

Christmas Craft Fair

St. George's Market Christmas Craft Fair will take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of December. It is located on May Street close by the Waterfront Hall. Along with the normal market stalls there will also be stalls selling Christmas fare such as handmade chocolates, jams, baking, crafts, gifts and toys. This market has a real festive atmosphere and there will be live music on both days.

Concerts

The Odyssey Arena is located in Belfast's Titanic Quarter and is a top class concert and entertainment venue. Concerts taking place over the festive season include; Horslips (Dec 3rd), Simple Minds (Dec 10th), The Prodigy (17th Dec) and Madness (29th Dec).
The Belfast Giants Ice Hockey team also have a number of exciting and challenging games to play here over the Christmas period. This intense, high speed sport is full of action and is sure to have the whole family engrossed. For more on this check out the Odyssey Arena website.

Pantomimes

If you're thinking of catching a pantomime this Christmas in Belfast, then you'll have a choice of Aladdin or Cinderella. Aladdin will run at the Grand Opera House from the 28th of November to the 16th January. Family favourite Cinderella will run at the Waterfront Belfast from the 28th of November to he 9th January.

These are just some of the main events taking place this Christmas in Belfast. If you know of anymore why not let our readers know by adding them to the comment box below.

Hope you enjoy your stay in Belfast this Christmas. If you need accommodation don't forget to check out our Belfast hotels page.